What Are the Treatments for Ascaris?

Ascaris, or Ascaris lumbricoides, are parasitic roundworms that can infest the human digestive tract, and in some serious cases, can spread to other parts of the body. An infection with this worm is referred to as ascariasis. It is important that this infection is treated immediately with one or more of the following options.

Albendazole

• Albendazole is one of the most common forms of treatment for ascaris, according to the Mayo Clinic. Albendazole is an antihelminthic agent that disables the roundworms abilities to produce energy. Once this ability has been disabled, the worms die and will be passed in your feces.

Mebendazole

• Mebendazole, also known as Vermox, is another common treatment for ascaris. Mebendazole works by blocking the worms' ability to consume nutrients, such as glucose. Without these nutrients the worms die.

Nasogastric Suctioning

• When worm infections get serious, nasogastric suctioning may be used. Nasogastric suctioning involves placing a tube through the nose and into the digestive tract, and then suctioning the worms out through the tube.

Vermifuge

• When ascaris produces serious blockages in the body, a vermifuge (such as piperazine) may be used to force the worms to relax enough to be passed in your feces.

Surgery

• If no other form of treatment is able to remove the worms, surgery may be performed to manually remove them from the body.